Frequently asked questions

Fence Calculator is a free tool that turns your fence length, height, material and style into a full material list: posts, rails, pickets or panels, concrete bags and hardware, each with its formula shown. Enter your own local prices to see a cost estimate too. There is no signup and no installation.

Yes. Every calculator on this site is free with no signup and no usage limit. The site is supported by advertising, which is never shown inside the calculator results themselves.

No. The calculator runs entirely in your browser. Nothing needs to be installed, and there is no account to create.

Yes, the calculator is built to work on a phone, tablet or desktop. Inputs and results are laid out to stay usable on a small screen rather than being a shrunk desktop layout.

Yes. Every value you type into the calculator is processed in your browser and is never sent to us. If you copy a share link, its values only leave your device if you send that link yourself. See the privacy policy for the full detail.

Material quantities (posts, rails, pickets, concrete) are computed directly from your inputs using the formulas shown next to each result, so they are as accurate as the numbers you enter. Cost figures are only shown once you enter your own local unit prices; this site does not publish a fixed national price list, since real prices vary too much by region and supplier to state as fact. Always verify post depth and any local code requirement with a licensed contractor before you dig.

Standard fence post spacing is typically 6 to 8 feet apart on center. Heavy materials like privacy wood fences often use 6-foot or 8-foot spacing to prevent sagging, while chain link and lighter vinyl fences commonly use 8-foot or 10-foot intervals. Our calculator lets you choose your post spacing so all post, rail and picket counts automatically adjust.

As a general construction guideline, fence posts should be set one-third to one-half of their above-ground height deep, which is typically at least 2 feet (24 inches) for a standard 6-foot fence. In colder climates, post footings must extend below the local frost line to prevent ground heaving. Always check local building codes and verify utility lines before digging.

Divide the fence run by your post spacing and round up to get the number of sections, then add one post for each end of every section. Add separate posts for every corner, end and gate opening. The calculator does this automatically and shows the formula next to the result.

Divide the fence run in inches by the sum of the picket width and the gap, then add a waste factor. For board-on-board fences, use the board width minus the overlap instead. For example, a 100 ft run with 5.5 in boards and 0.5 in gaps needs about 200 boards before waste.

The volume of one post hole is pi times the square of the hole radius times the depth. Multiply by the number of posts and divide by the yield of a standard bag (0.375 ft³ for 50 lb, 0.45 ft³ for 60 lb, 0.6 ft³ for 80 lb). Actual needs vary with soil, frost depth and local code.

The calculator shows the slope-adjusted run length alongside your other numbers, while post, rail and picket counts stay based on the flat run. Use the Fence Slope Calculator to plan how to step the posts on a grade.

Each gate deducts its width from the fence run and adds two gate posts. Rails and pickets or panels are then counted on the remaining length only. A 100 ft fence with a 4 ft gate is calculated as a 96 ft run.

10% is a common buffer for wood pickets, panels and rails. Use more if the plan has many cuts, angles or short sections, and less for simple straight runs.

It depends on the material, height, terrain, labor and your local prices. Wood privacy fencing is usually the most affordable to build, vinyl costs more upfront, and composite is typically at the high end. This site does not publish fixed prices; enter your own unit prices in the Fence Cost Calculator for a real estimate.

Yes. The calculator can save a quote in your browser so you can reopen it later, and the current state can be shared as a link. Everything stays on your device.

Yes. The site installs as a progressive web app, so after your first visit it keeps working without an internet connection.

Board-on-board places pickets on both sides of the rails so each picket overlaps the next by about an inch. It needs more boards than a gapped fence of the same width, and the calculator adjusts the pitch automatically when you choose that style.